Bigo Tours and Activities

For one of the best views of Genoa and its Old Port, a trip on the Bigo panoramic elevator is a must. Climb aboard the out-of-this-world contraption, designed in the style of loading cranes by Renzo Piano in 1992 for the quincentennial of Columbus’ voyage to the New World, and learn about Genoa’s history as you take in panoramic views.

The Basics
The Bigo elevator is attached to one of the crane arms that lifts the cabin and rotates 360 degrees to get a view of the city. Most hop-on hop-off tours include a stop at the Old Port (Porto Antico), where Bigo sits, as well as other key landmarks such as Piazza de Ferrari, Brignole Station, and Via XX Settembre. To experience all of the Porto Antico attractions, purchase a combo ticket to explore the aquarium, tropical garden, lift, and Biosphere at your leisure—and at a discount.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Bigo is a must for those interested in architecture and aerial views of Genoa.
• Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long lines.
• The elevator is accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
• An audio guide is available in several languages to give context to what you’re seeing.

How to Get There
The Bigo is located in Genoa’s Porto Antico district, in the center of town. You can take the metro to San Giorgio station, located across from the port. City buses 1 and 13 stop in front of the Genoa Aquarium. If driving, park in the Genoa Aquarium parking lot adjacent to the port.

When to Get There
Bigo’s opening times vary daily and seasonally; check online for a current schedule. Aim for a ride at sunset, when the city comes alive with light. The best time to visit Genoa in general is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant.

Other Attractions at Porto Antico
Though no longer in commercial use, the Old Port of Genoa is still bustling with visitors and locals. The Genoa Aquarium boasts the most extensive range of aquatic species in Europe while the Biosphere houses vegetable and animals species from tropical forests in a steel and glass dome right in the water. If interested in maritime history, the Galata Maritime Museum (Galata Museo del Mare) showcases one of the largest collections in the Mediterranean.